Accommodations in Oahu Honolulu The Gathering Place, HI

Aston Hotels and Resorts

Various Locations in Hawaii

Aston Hotels & Resorts is the most diverse group of hotels and resorts in Hawaii. They offer conveniently located properties for both budget conscious vacationers and for those seeking a little more luxury. Click here to select the accommodation that suits your needs.

The Outrigger Waikiki is exquisitely Hawaiian. The halls and furnishings are beautifully accented in Koa wood tones and with art, sculptures, and ancient Hawaiian replicas adorning the walls at every turn of the spacious maze like lobby set up. All of it of course is complemented by the whisper of ukulele and slack key rhythms, serving as the perfect soundtrack to one’s vacation memory banks. The interiors feel more like that of a comfortable home, albeit a very expansive and luxurious one. The exterior, well, on the city side you are facing one of the most popular vacation strips of shopping and entertainment real estate on the planet, while the beach side fronts world famous Waikiki Beach.

However, amongst the bustle of Kalakaua Avenue “big brand” upscale hotels and resorts, the Outrigger Waikiki remains pleasantly inconspicuous. “Traffic” appears to flow with the spirit of the establishment and the accommodating hotel personnel convey a relationship more akin to one’s kin, or ohana, for that matter. Guests frequenting the hotel are sophisticated, yet lean towards the "happy go lucky" side of the spectrum. It is not uncommon to find a Hawaiian shirt clad, red faced (not from the sun) tourist hula-ing their way out from the famous Duke's Barefoot Bar located within the Outrigger, at pretty much any time of the day. There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, strike new relationships, network, or escape for solace, depending on your mood of the moment.

Hotel attractions abound the premises with dining and entertainment options to satisfy the tastes of everyone in your party. The aforementioned Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Baris essential for dining, drinking, and/or socializing at least once per day, Chuck's Steakhouse tempts the palates of hungry carnivores, and the 1930’s beach hut inspired Hula Grill is as lively as it sounds. While shopping is within steps of the front door, one of our favourite home decor and souvenir shops exists with the Outrigger – Hawaiian Accessories– where on each subsequent visit you can return home with a new Koa treasure until your own home begins to match the inspiration found within the hotel.

This Aston property is decked out in surf studded decor and injects Waikiki Beach energy into your traveled soul the minute you proceed to check-in . The colorful, spacious, open aired walls are so vibrant that the five hour plus flight becomes a distant memory, making room for the new ones unfolding before your eyes.

Sensory overload kicks in as you take in your surroundings on the first level where Wolfgang Puck Express and other recognized eateries waft cuisine scents to accent the sweet salt water air of this beach front lobby. Gliding up the escalator feels more like a ride on a Waikiki wave as surfboards line every nook and cranny where the check-in desk on the left greets you with Aloha. If you look around before taking the elevator to your room you'll see a swimming pool and deck, a fitness facility, guest activity services desks, and internet access stations lining the hall towards Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel's most famous addition - Tiki's Bar & Grill - where you come to eat AND play, day and night.

Eventually you have to leave the excitement to head to your room. The same energy found downstairs is injected into every lair of the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, with Hawaiiana decor accenting the suites, bed sheets, and views from the lanais and window panes.

Surf the waves and the web when staying at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

The AM brings the same level of service and excitement with the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel beach breakfast where a buffet lines the pool deck overlooking Waikiki beach, allowing guests to eat heartily while soaking up Oahu ambiance at the same time.

The afternoons and remaining days are of course at your discretion but one thing is for certain - the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel sets the tone for the perfect fun filled Waikiki vacation.

The Moana Surfrider Resort is a long standing hotel ripe with an aura of Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) draped in Victorian design. The exterior to interior is exquisite. Its location is second to none for the purpose of people watching and for quick jaunts to and from the beach and retail of Waikiki. For those that prefer to stay within close proximity of the Waikiki beachfront, spending the day carousing about its vicinity and returning each eve to a home base and either plopping down to catch their breath in the plush seating inside, or on the lounge chairs out front overlooking a packed Kalakaua Avenue, or tucked snug within a lavish suite, Moana Surfrider makes for the perfect recipe for a perfect Waikiki getaway. Celebrities, well-to-doers, and socialites are known to frequent this establishment on a regular basis. The people, the design, decor, the art adorning the walls and the location make Moana Surfrider the one and only choice for those with upscale tastes and an appetitie for rich history.

Located in the heart of Waikiki and facing Waikiki Beach front and center, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is one of the better located upscale hotel/resorts in Honolulu. This Hyatt location remains somewhat affordable for those that don't quite want to pay Moana Surfrider prices without sacrificing much in the way of luxury while still receiving all of the convenience.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is packed full of amenities, including a bevy of boutique shops to keep shoppers satisfied without leaving the square block of Hyatt's Kalakaua Avenue real estate. A literal stone's throw from the beach and all of the activity and rental options one could imagine to make any Oahu vacation complete, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki is a favorite of many.

Even those not checking into the hotel find themselves passing through the Hyatt's open air walls on a regular basis to take pictures of the waterfalls, chandeliers, tropical flora, and birds kept peacefully within.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is a gem of Waikiki and is an accommodation visitors should experience at least once on what is hopefully one of many journeys to the island of Oahu.

Turtle Bay is a world famous Resort found at the tip of the North Shore Oahu. It has quite the resume in serving as the setting for movies and TV shows and draws in an international crowd seeking to stay in a place of notoriety while enjoying the solace of the North Shore. During international surf competitions, such as the Pipeline Masters, you will find a bevy of professional surfers, extreme sport enthusiasts, media and the like within the lobby walls of Turtle Bay Resort. This crowd obliterates any pretension you may fear exists when visiting this establishment. On the other side of the sporting spectrum Turtle Bay is renowned for it world class golf courses, such as the Arnold Palmer Course, designed by its namesake, so don't be surpised to find yourelf standing next to your favorite pro, if that's something you care about.

Regardless the fame and opportunities to see celebrities or witness the filming of the next big Hollywood film, Turtle Bay offers almost incomporable ocean views from its windows and unmatched amenities of many other hotels on Oahu. Turtle Bay Resort is also surprisingly affordable compared to its South Shore counterparts. Even if you haven't booked a stay at Turtle Bay but find yourself cruising along this portion of Kamehameha Highway, feel free pull into this lap of surfside luxury and soak up the scenery at Turtle Bay Resort, enjoy a drink or meal at one of its cafes or restaurants and stay for a Mai Tai at Surfer, The Bar.

Tell your friends you surfed the North Shore by learning on the playful waves at Turtle Bay

Side Note: Watch the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" as it was filmed at Turtle Bay Resort. You'll laugh your butt off and get a full on virtual tour of this magnificent property at the same time.

"Village" is the key word in the name of this Hilton property. The Hilton Hawaiian Village, in addition to the superior accomodations this hotel/resort powerhouse is known for, consists of enough on-site retail (mid to upscale), dining and entertainment that guests need not leave the comforts of the makeshift town created for their enjoyment. From authentic Hawaiian merchandise for the home (Martin & MacArthur) to Kona coffee (Kona Mountain Coffee) and island style shortbread cookies (Honolulu Cookie Company) in addition to the wide variety of "essential" shops and services originating from the Mainland, visitors need not worry about having their consumer needs met. The beach front allows for almost every imaginable ocean experience and for those wary of the power of the Pacific, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is fronted by the Duke Kahanamokue Lagoon - a water based playground perfect for the whole family, swimmers and non-swimmers, wave warriors and waders, alike.

Luxurious, convenient and ridiculously accommodating, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is one of the most popular stays on Oahu for good reason.

I admittedly came upon The Kahala Hotel & Resort for the first time not from some prestigious editorial invite to tour the property nor was I in attendance at one of many weddings held on its gorgeous and gazebo laden grounds. Instead I simply stumbled upon this 5 star resort by accident.

Let's strip the glamor factor even further by admitting that the discovery started while on The Bus - Honolulu's public transit system. I was on an impromptu tour of the coastal shores passed the base of Diamond Head after realizing that over the years I had never bothered to venture along this small portion of Oahu, always opting to hit Kamehameha Highway as fast as possible when en route to and through the windward side of the island. I hopped off the #14 as soon as the Kahala Avenue real estate cleared, allowing me to see the ocean via the window provided by Wai'Alae Beach Park. The park is nothing spectacular but the clear waters beckoned and so off I went. Within seconds of landing on the narrow strip of sandy shore I saw a tiny, palm tree crowned island too perfectly sculpted to be made by nature, and it wasn't. The "Keep Off" sign was the next giveaway and the matching bookend peninsula found in the near horizon sealed the deal that I instead came upon a purposeful slice of paradise. This did nothing to waiver my curiosity and instead sparked my interest even further.

After nodding a silent "congratulations" to two separate bride and groom couples being photographed along the grassy shore front I continued towards the bright white exterior of the resort recreation area where children darted out past lounge chairs and the kiddie pool as if the ocean was closing soon.

I strolled passed the "Resort Guests Only" sign with an entitled swagger felt by those of us with a 25 cent business card in our wallets reading "Travel Editor" as if to say "I dare you to question my presence here. I'll have this place at zero capacity with one swift paragraph!". No hapless threats were needed as all on site staff smiled at everyone passing by their line of vision. And what a vision the exterior of this resort was. The grounds were impossibly green, meticulously manicured, and the palm tree strung hammocks barely swayed in the calm breeze caressing the ocean view suites of The Kahala. Inside the recreation area I discovered shallow person-made ponds that served as home to indigenous fish, sea turtles and a manta ray fixed in one still position, oblivious to the fact that it was there to entertain onlookers. A lagoon spread out across the remaining portion of the resort’s play pen where I was startled by a basketball being shot out of the water. I inspected the area for rambunctious tots in floaties and was instead surprised to find the ocean’s most darling mammals doing what they, dolphins, do best – playing. Another wedding party was being frozen in time in front of a waterfall pressed against the backlot of The Kahala Resort’s outdoors and after one last admiring glance I made my way inside.

Everything within the bottom entrance appeared as expected - luxury, class, and all the above. The spiral staircase led up to the lobby where enormous dim lit chandeliers dripped glimmering lava glass from the ceiling. Lobby stationary was encased within a painstakingly carved wooden box, presented as if it was a gift for visiting royalty. Fresh flowers complemented the ornate decor and the walls that climbed into the interior sky appeared to be a beacon of possibilities. I was impressed. I regained my senses, but before I dismissed the surface of The Kahala Resort as just another big box resort making its mark on Oahu I discovered a little more importance than expected.

A massive Hawaiian flag adorned the corridor and led me further to a darkened hall where a too-many-to-count collection of autographed photos lined the wall in an endless succession that made me feel that if I was to walk down this path it would only extend into infinity like a scene from the Twilight Zone. I inspected the framed pictures and realized that this place had a long history to back up its pretty exterior. I’m accustomed to seeing the faces of visiting celebrities proudly on display at many luxury resorts, and The Kahala had more than you could imagine. What was even more striking were the ones you don’t recognize from the silver screen. Since 1964, figures like Charles Lindberg, Joe DiMaggio, Luciano Pavarotti, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako of Japan, Leopold III (former king of Belgium), the Sultan of Brunei and every imaginable U.S. President have rested their heads on the Frette designed Egyptian cotton pillow cases of The Kahala. This resort is not only a get-away for the rich and famous, but for the worldly and relevant as well.

After working up quite the appetite I afforded myself a signature item at Plumeria Beach House, one of five on-site dining destinations. The Kahala Burger - built from certified angus ground beef with fried egg, white cheddar, guacamole, bacon and onions - blew away my preconception that you can’t find a good burger at an upscale restaurant. I made my way back through the lobby and passing by the outside concierge desk I was waived an “Aloha! See you on your return!”. After a gracious “Mahalo” I smirked to myself and made my way back to The Bus stop, thankfully located out of sight.

End Note – Two months later I would return to The Kahala Hotel & Resort for a two night stay and of course the previously uncharted rooms and level of service exceeded expectations. I am a firm believer that Hawaii’s truest beauty comes first from its people and the land. But places like The Kahala also stand as a symbol of Hawaiian paradise in itself and serves to complement the natural allure of the islands for those seeking Aloha, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.

There is a certain calm to the otherwise lively in appearance "Pink Palace". The first hint of serenity is found when approaching the once home of Queen Kaahumanu, where lush tropical gardens line and canopy the walkway towards the lobby. The interior is dim lit and less bustling than many of the other reputable resorts fronting the shores of Waikiki - a pleasant change of pace for sure. The tint only accents the luxurious furnishings found within the high walls of the Royal Hawaiian and an air of royalty fills the air. Contemporary, this hotel is not.

There are so many places to quietly explore both inside and on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian and photographers will be elated at the portfolio opportunities hidden within every nook and cranny. One particular walkway commands a stroll - lined with tall light pink columns holding up rose colored walls and an ornately designed carpet underfoot. In the gardens you will find guests reading novels in solace, some appearing mid-meditation, and young children testing their willpower to not pluck the colorful flowers peering at them from the bushes, as a gift to onlooking parents. Stepping out towards the pool you are reminded that something exists outside the confines of the Royal Hawaiian as the Waikiki beach scene opens up with it's bright sky, clear azure water, and onslaught of visitors atop catamarans, outriggers, and surfboards, making their passage to and from the shore.

The rooms and suites within the Royal Hawaiian are classic, comfortable and make you feel as if you are an invited guest within a palace in every sense of the word. The service only serves to complete this phenomenon. Over the decades since it's inception in 1927 the historic hotel manifest reads more like an A-list accounting of Silver Screen stars and political elite.

The Royal Hawaiian has a place in the rich history of Oahu and is something that any frequent visitor to the Gathering Place should experience in order to truly understand what it feels like to be an honored guest on this most hospitable of islands.

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